Child Safe Policy

NSW Pacific Centre is committed to the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all children and young people we engage with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and neglect. Every person working with or representing our organisation has a responsibility to ensure children are kept safe from harm.

This policy reflects our obligations under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW), the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW), and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments.

As a Pacific community organisation, we recognise that cultural safety is an essential part of child safety. We are committed to ensuring that children and families from Pacific and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds receive services that respect their cultural identity, language, and traditions. We acknowledge that cultural connection is a protective factor for children’s wellbeing.

All staff, volunteers, board members, and contractors who work with children hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC). We verify WWCC numbers and maintain records as required by law. We also conduct reference checks and ensure that all personnel understand their child protection obligations through induction and ongoing training.

All personnel must comply with our Child Safe Code of Conduct, which requires:

• Treating all children with respect and dignity.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and avoiding any behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming or inappropriate.
• Never being alone with a child in a closed or private setting without justification.
• Using positive, culturally appropriate guidance rather than physical discipline.
• Listening to and taking seriously any concerns raised by a child.
• Reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect immediately.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

All personnel and community members are encouraged to report concerns about a child’s safety. Reports can be made to:

• The NSW Child Protection Helpline: 132 111 (24 hours).
• Our internal Child Protection Officer or CEO, who will ensure the matter is escalated appropriately.

As an organisation, we comply with the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme administered by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. Allegations or convictions involving reportable conduct by our personnel are notified to that office.

We assess and manage risks to children in all our programs and activities. This includes risk assessments for events, transportation, respite services, supervised contact, and mentoring programs. We design our services to minimise opportunities for harm and to promote children’s participation and empowerment.

We value the voices of children and young people. We create opportunities for them to express their views, participate in decisions affecting them, and raise concerns safely. We take all disclosures seriously and respond with care, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate urgency.

We provide regular training to our staff and volunteers on child protection legislation, mandatory reporting, recognising signs of abuse, and culturally responsive practice. We also support our personnel with debriefing and supervision to maintain the wellbeing of those working in demanding child protection roles.

This Child Safe Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated in response to changes in legislation, sector standards, or organisational learning. We welcome feedback from children, families, and the community to strengthen our child safe practices.